Combination cigarette package and opener and ejector therefor



sept. 13, 193s. B. J. MARIN V2,129,887

COMBINATION CIGARETTE PACKAGEAND OPENER AND EJECTOR THEREFOR Filed May s, 1957 '2 sheets-sheet l1 INVENTOR.

ferr/ard L. fatwa/fill.

ATTORNEY.

Sept- 13, m38, B.J. TAMAR1N v2,129,887

COMBINATION CIGARETTE PACKAGE AND OPENER AND EJECTOR THEREFOR ."mmllh l INI!l 6 n i I l i l t 1 1 f #s WILL@ il ATTORNEY.

v atented Sept. 13, 1938 NITD STATES arrasar COMBINATION CIGARETTE PACKAGE AND OPENER AND EJECTOR THEREFOR lBernard J. ramal-in, Philadelphia, Pa. Application May 3, 1937, Serial No. 140,345

Claims.

This invention relates to a new article of manufacture, consisting of an individual package of cigarettes having incorporated therein a combination package opener and cigarette ejector.

At present, the unsealing of a package of cigarettes is largely a matter of individual habit or caprice. As a result,4the qualities desired by the manufacturer to be preserved are immediately dependent upon the dexterity or proper-ness of the unsealing, which will vary from the tearing on' of the corner of the package and thumping the bottom to raise one or more cigarettes above the level of the others, to ripping oiipart or all of the package top to permit pulling out the cigarettes from the side of the package.

To insure the maximum benefits from` the standardized packaging methods adopted by the industry, 'it is the primary purpose of my invention to provide a standardized and foolproof means of unsealing and content ejection, controlled by the manufacturer through the means of his standardized packaging processes, whereby I the mere pulling of a tape or strip extending from the package and convoluted therein, breaks the cellophane seal, destroys the Government stamp,

open the foil package flaps, and ejects one ormore ofthe cigarettes from the package without exposing the remaining cigarettes.

The invention also aims to provide a combina-= tion opener and ejector permanently associated with a sealed cigarette package and with the cigarettes packed therein, whereby upon manipulation, the same will automatically break the seal, open the package, and eject one or more oi the cigarettes in a single continuous action.

The invention moreover contemplates the provision of a simple, yet effective, means capable of facilitating the opening of a sealed cigarette package and of affording easy access to the cigarettes therein by ejectingone or more of said cigarettes.

It is also among the desirable features of the invention to provide a cigarette package having closing flaps and a seal for securing the saine, with a combined opener and ejector in the form of a strip of flexible material disposed in a convoluted path about certain of the cigarettes and around said flaps, whereby upon subjecting the strip to a longitudinal pull, said strip will act 50 to first break the seal, then open the flaps, and

finally eject one or more cigarettes, thus obviatlng thenecessity of manually tearing the wrapper and forcing the' cigarettes out of the package, and accordingly eliminating the possibilities of destroying the package or the cigarettes therein.

(Cl. 20G-56) Other important objects and advantages of the invention vwill be in part obvious-and in part lpointed out hereinafter. 1

In order that the invention and its mode of operation may be readily understood by those skilled in the art, I havein the accompanying drawings and in the detailed description based thereupon, set out possible embodiments of th invention.

In these drawings:-

Figure 1 is a perspective of a cigarette package embodying the invention.

Figure 2 ils an enlarged longitudinal cross section illustrating the construction of the invention.

Figure 3 is an enlarged longitudinal cross section through a package of cigarettes illustrating a modification of .the invention.

Figures e, 5, 6, and 7 are longitudinal cross sectional views through a cigarette package illus- 'trating the various stages in the operation ci' .the

invention.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the opened package.

Having more particular reference to the drawings, wherein like characters of reference will designate corresponding parts throughout, I have 4shown an ordinary cigarette package l, comprisB ing an inner main wrapper 3 generally known as the ioil wrapper. lE his foil wrapper is encased in an outer labeled wrapper 5, the cigarettes d packed thereby being snugly and compactly retained in said `package. l

One end of the package, that is, the normal upper end ll, .is provided with the usual flaps adapted to be folded upon each other in the man ner clearly represented in the drawings. As shown, the end flaps t, which are extensions from the foil wrapper 3, are first folded over the outer end of the cigarettes, and then the side aps 9, also extensions from the foil wrapper, are folded over said side flaps 8. The folded aps are then aixed by means of a sealing stamp it, or the like.

In accordance with'the invention, the package a loop portion I3, and projects outwardly of the package over the remaining end flap l. 'I'he part of the loopvportion I3 engaging the inner extremity of the cigarette or cigarettes constitutes an ejector element I4 adapted 'to eject the cigarette or cigarettes in engagement therewith in the manner and for the purpose to be later specied.

With the strip II arranged in the package in the manner described, the `free end section of said strip passes between the overlapped side flaps \9 and the seal I0 to constitute an opening element I5 terminating into an exposed nger tab I6 projecting outwardly of the package.

In Figure 3, I have illustrated a modified form of the invention. In this modified construction, the securing tab I2' of the strip II', constituting the combined opener and ejector, instead of being fixed to the package, as represented in Figure 2, is adhesively anchored between one of the cigarettes to be ejected and the next adjacent cigarette, the remaining partof the strip being positioned as in the preferred arrangement to form the loop portion I3', the opening element I5', and the exposed finger tab I6'. In this connection, it is to be understood that it may be possible to dispense with the securing of the tab I2" because, due to the snug and tight packaging of the cigarettes, the portion of the strip II disposed between the latter will be frictionally held in position therebetween. l

The package with the combined opener and ejector arranged therein may be enclosed in an.

outer Cellophane wrapper I'I in the-usual manner. In this instance, the finger tab I 6 may be made toextend outwardly of the outer Cellophane wrapper, as shown at I8 in Figure `3, so as to be manipulated to first open the flaps of the Cellophane wrapper.

A possible way of mounting my improved com- Vbined opener and ejector in the package will now be described.

Prior to the sealing of the aps 8 and 9, one or more of the cigarettes are removed from the package. The securing tab I2 having been anchored, as hereinbefore stated, the 'strip II is` lloosely laid longitudinally across the upper and 'I of the package I, and over the end flaps 8, the side aps 9 being opened. By laying the strip II in this manner over the end of the package, it will be understood that said strip covers the spacing created by the removal of the cigarette or cigarettes. The removed cigarette or cigarettes are then replaced in the package and, in so doing, the strip, by reason of its engagement with said cigarette or cigarettes, is forced into the package, thus assuming a general U shaped formation, which forms the loop portion I3, and ejecting element I4. 'I'he side flaps I0 are subsequently folded and the strip brought back to lie thereover, as shown at I5.

The sealing stamp I2, which may be the usual Government tax stamp, is then placed transversely across the upper end 'I of the package, thus covering the opening element I5 of the strip I I ,and sealing the flaps 8 and 9. It will, of course, be understood that the strip II is of such a length that after thevsame has been positioned in the package in the manner. specified, a sufficient portion will remain exposed to form the finger tab I6, which may be folded over the stamp, as shown, before enclosing the package in a vCellophane covering, if such a covering is desired. If-a Cellophane covering is used, the finger tab'may be made to extend outside of said covering in the manner previously stated.

It will be appreciated that in placing in the package the modied combined opener and ejec- .tor shown in Figure 3, the procedure is the same as that explained in connection with the description ol' the preferred construction, except that the strip is not anchored to the package but allowed to become engaged between two adjacent cigarettes.

Upon referring to Figures 4 to 7 inclusive, the operation of my improved combined opener and ejector will be fully understood. By gripping ,the nger tab I6 and pulling it in the general direction indicated by the arrow A, the opening element I5 of the strip II tears the sealing stamp I0 as shown at IUT in Figure 5. A continued pull on the strip II gradually straightens out the loop portion I3 of the ejector element I4 and causes the cigarette or cigarettes to slide out of the package in the manner represented in Figures 6 and .7 s'o that the ejected cigarette or cigarettes -may be readily taken out of the package for use.

It will be understood that after the cigarette or cigarettes ejected by my combined opener and ejector are removed, the strip II may be disregarded, but that ready access may be had to the remaining cigarettes because, with the removal of the ejected cigarette or cigarettes, the tightness of the package is relieved so that said remaining cigarettes become free.

In concluding, I wish to call attention to the fact that the `invention is capable of several modifications and, therefore, any modifications com-v ing Within the scope of the subjoined claims are to be considered within the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. In combination Awith a cigarette package having an opening end portion provided with end flaps folded over certain of the cigarettes, side flaps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded end flaps for covering the remaining cigarettes and completely closing the package and a sealing stamp placed over the folded side flaps of the package opening end portion for sealing the same: a continuous strip of flexible material arranged in the package to pass around and engage certain of the cigarettes covered by the side flaps, one end portion of said strip passing between one of the end flaps and the overlying portions of the overlapping side flaps and then between the latter and the sealing stamp to extend beyond the edge thereof whereby, upon pulling said end portion of the strip against the edge of the stamp, the strip will tear the stamp, thus freeing the side flaps for the ejection of the cigarettes in engagement with said strip through a continued pull thereon,

2. In combination with a lcigarette package flaps folded over certain of the cigarettes, side flaps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded end flaps forl covering the remaining cigarettes and completely closing the package, and 4a sealing stamp placed over the folded side flaps of the package opening end portion for sealing the same: a continuous strip of flexible material arranged in the package to pass around and engage certain of the cigarettes covered by the side ilaps, one end portion oi' said strip being fixed within the package, and the other end portion of the strip being free and passing between one of the end naps and the overlying portions of the overlapping side flaps and then between 6o having an opening end portion provided with end the latter and the sealing stamp to' extend beyond the edge thereof whereby, upon pulling said free end portion of the strip against the'edge o! the stamp, the strip will tear the stamp, thus ireeing the side flaps for the ejection of the cigarettes in engagement with said strip through a continued pull thereon.

-3. In combination with acigarette 'package having an opening end portion provided with end flaps folded over certain of the cigarettes leaving theremaining cigarettes exposed, side fiaps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded end aps for covering said remaining cigarettes and completely closing the package, and a sealing stamp placed over the folded side aps of the package opening end portion! for sealing the same: a continuous strip of exible material comprising an ejector portion disposed in the package to pass around and engage a predetern'iined number of the cigarettes covered 'by the side aps, and a free end portion first passing between one of the end flaps and the overlying portions of the overlapping side aps, and then between the latter and the sealing lstamp to extend beyond the edge thereof, whereby upon pulling said free end portion of the strip against the edge of the stamp, the strip will tear the stamp, thus freeing the side flaps for the ejection of the cigarettes in engagement with the ejector portion of the strip through a continued pull thereon.

d.. lin combination with a cigarette package having an opening end portion provided' with end aps folded over certain o f the cigarettes leaving the remaining cigarettes exposed, side aps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded end flaps for covering said remaining cigarettes and completely closing the package, a sealing stamp placed over the folded side naps of the package opening end portion for sealing the same, and an outer Cellophane wrapper enclosing the package: a continuous strip of exible material comprising an ejector portion disv posed in the package to pass around and engage a predetermined number of cigarettes covered by the side naps, and a free end portion first passing between one of the end flaps and the overlying portions of the overlapping side ilaps, then between the latter and the sealing stamp to extend beyond the vedge thereof and project outvvandly of the Cellophane wrapper whereby, upon pulling. said free end portion of the s trip against the edge thereof, the strip will open the Cellophane wrapper and tear the stamp, thus-freeing the side flaps for the ejection of the cigarettes in engagement with the ejector portion of the strip through a continued pull thereon.

5.,In combination with a cigarette package having an opening end portion provided with end aps folded over the cigarettes contained in the packagepside flaps folded across and aligned parallel to the top surface off/the end laps, and a sealing stamp extending across the side flaps and secured to the sides of the package for sealing said flaps: a cigarette ejector consisting of a. continuous strip of exible material having an intermediate portion passing around certain of the cigarettes, one end portion convoluted to pass for a predetermined distance between the side flaps and the end aps and around one edge of the side aps, and over the top surface or' one of the side flaps so as to pass under said sealing stamp, and nally passing around one edge of the sealing stamp and over the latter to lay in flat contact with the upper surface thereof, whereby a continuous pull exerted upon the end of the strip laying upon thev surface of the sealing stamp will: first, rupture the sealing stamp so as to unseal'the ilaps, then raise the side flaps, and thereafter subjectthe cigarettes to be ejected by the strip to an ejeoting movement.

6. In combination with a cigarette package having Ian opening end portion provided with for sealing said aps: a cigarette ejector cony sisting of' a continuous strip of flexible material having an intermediate portion passing around certain of the cigarettes, one end portion arranged in engagement with a portion of the package, and its remaining end portion convoluted to pass for a predetermined distance between the side aps and ythe end flaps and around one edge of the side fiaps, and over the top surface of one of the side flaps so as to pass under said sealing stamp, and nally passing around one edge of the sealing stamp and'over the latter to lay in at contact with the upper surface thereof, whereby a continuous pull exerted upon the end of the strip laying upon the surface of the sealing stamp will: first, rupture the sealing stamp so as to unseal theaps, then raise the side aps, and thereafter subject the cigarettes to be ejected by the strip to an ejecting movement.

7. In a cigarette package, a rst pair of flaps folded over certain of the cigarettes; a second pair of flaps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded iirst pair-of aps for covering they remaining vcigarettes and completely closing the package; a sealing stamp placed over the folded second pair of flaps for sealing the package; a continuous strip of flexible material arranged in the package to pass around and engage certain of the cigarettes covered by said second pair or aps, one end portion of said strip passing between one ap of the iirst pair and the overlying portions of the overlapping flaps of the .second pair, and then between the latter'and the sealing stamp to extend beyond the edge thereof, whereby upon pulling said end portion of the strip against the edge of the stamp, the strip will tear the stamp, thus freeing the second pair of aps for the ejection of the cigarettes in engagement with said strip through a continued pull thereon.

8. In a cigarette package, a first pair of flaps folded over certain of the cigarettes; a second pair of fiaps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded rst pair oi aps for covering the remaining cigarettes and completely closing the package; a. sealing stamp placed over the folded` second pair of aps for sealing the package; a

continuous strip of ilexible material arranged in the 'sealing stamp to extend beyond the edges thereof whereby, upon pulling said free end portion of the strip against the edge of the stamp, the strip will tear the stamp, thus freeing the second pair of flaps for the ejection of the cigaretts in engagement with said strip through a continued pull thereon.

9. In a cigarette package, a rst pair of iiaps folded over certain of the cigarettes; a second pair of flaps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded rst pair of flaps for covering the remaining cigarettes and completely closing the package; a sealing stamp placed over the folded second pair of ilaps for sealing the package; an outer vCellophane wrapper enclosing' the package; a continuous strip of flexible material arranged in the package to pass around and engage certain of the cigarettes covered-by the second pair of iiaps, one end portion of said strip passing between one ap of theflrst pair and the overlying portions of the overlapping flaps of the second pair and then between the latter and the sealing stamp to extend beyond the edge thereof and project outwardly of the Cellophane Wrapper whereby, upon pulling said end portion of the strip against the edge of the stamp, the strip will open the Cellophane Wrapper and tear the stamp, thus freeing the second pair of flaps for the ejection of the cigarettes in engagement with said strip through a continued pull thereon.

10. In a cigarette package, a rst pair of flaps folded over certain of the cigarettes; a second pair of ilaps folded in overlapping relation to overlie the folded first pair of aps for covering the remainingv cigarettes and completely closing the package; a sealing stamp placed over the tolded second pair of naps for sealing the package;

saicl free end portion of the strip against the edge of the stamp, the strip will open the Cellophane wrapper and tear the stamp, thus freeing the second pair of aps for the ejection of the cirgarettes in engagement with said strip through a continued pull thereon.

INSv

BERNARD J. TAMARIN. u 

